Sunderland target ex-Man Utd boss David Moyes as Dick Advocaat quits

And now the Black Cats could launch a bold bid to land former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes although Real Madrid’s number two Paul Clement remains an option.

The Scot is enjoying life in Spain with Real Sociedad but Sunderland hope they can tempt him to return to English football with a £4m-a-year contract and a substantial transfer kitty.

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short tried to persuade Advocaat to prolong his stay at the Stadium of Light after he initially joined the club only for the last nine games of the season.

After saving Sunderland from relegation, the Dutchman was offered a two-year deal and sources close to him claim he was sorely tempted to sign it.

But in the end, Advocaat put family first, honouring a promise he made to his wife to retire at the end of the season.

EXIT: Advocaat has left Sunderland [GETTY]

“In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved”

Ellis Short

Advocaat said: “At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now.

“A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.

“We gave everything in our time there and achieved what we set out to. Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Short said: “Although I am extremely disappointed, I understand and absolutely respect his decision.

“In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved.”

Sporting director Lee Congerton added: “I know it was a tough decision for Dick to make but he felt that he couldn’t commit to the intense rigours of club management on a longer-term basis and we respect his honesty.

“In his short time here he was fantastic to work with. He had and will continue to have the utmost respect of everyone here at Sunderland.”